An electric bike company has been criticised by Islington residents for the number of abandoned bikes left on pavements.
Electric bikes from Lime have been left all over Islington pavements by some users, causing an obstruction to pedestrians particularly children, the elderly and disabled people.
Islington councillor Rowena Champion, executive member for environment, air quality and transport, said: “It is important that bikes are parked appropriately so that everyone, including disabled people and people using buggies, can safely use the pavements.
“In the absence of primary legislation from Government, we’ve been working with partners to explore a by-law that would give powers to designate parking spaces for dockless bikes and provide powers to enforce these.
“Dockless bikes help support the council’s ambitions to create a net zero carbon borough by 2030 by making it easier to cycle, reducing dependency on motor vehicles.
“Currently there are no legislation that allows for the licensing of dockless bikes in the UK meaning bikes can be parked anywhere.”
Lime took the UK by storm back in 2018 and has become a trendy and popular method to travel giving riders flexibility.
Islington Council partnered up with Lime back in 2019 in a bid to reduce dependency on motor vehicles to create a net zero carbon borough by 2030.
However, it has been reported that younger riders have managed to hack into the system to allow them to cycle without paying, making it difficult to track them down to issue a fine.
A Lime spokesperson said: “Our top priority has been ensuring our services work for everyone sharing London’s roads.
“We understand the importance of not obstructing pavements and other shared spaces, particularly for those with access needs.”
The company’s app asks users to upload a photo once parked to comply with rules, however users have claimed nothing happens if photos are not submitted.
Currently, non-compliant users are fined at £2 for first offence and Lime said 80% of users do not reoffend following their first fine, but Islington residents disagree.
Joanne George, 53, said: “It is not enough. The fines need to be raised. I can’t walk on the pavement safely as a walking stick user.
“More needs to be done to ensure pedestrians are not at risk of hurting themselves. Children need to walk to school every day and there’s always e-bikes all over the streets.”
The council has called for residents to contact the operator directly if they see a bike parked inappropriately.
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